Netherlands' World Cup preparations have been rocked by the news that Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber has been forced to withdraw from the squad. Despite travelling to the United States with Ronald Koeman's side, the versatile defender has failed to overcome a persistent injury in time for the tournament opener.
It's so close we can almost taste it. The 2026 World Cup is now just days away, with the best players from around the globe descending on the United States, Mexico and Canada for what promises to be a superb summer of football. While some teams will solely harbour dreams of getting out of the groups, others know that anything other than a trophy parade in late-July will go down as failure. We're set, then, for five-and-a-half weeks of drama, filled with joy and heartbreak in equal measure.
FIFA has announced a significant protocol modification that will see every squad member take part in the pre-match national anthems at the upcoming World Cup. Moving away from traditional sporting custom, football's global governing body has mandated that both starting line-ups and substitutes congregate together on the pitch ahead of kick-off.
There's just one week to go until the biggest show on earth gets underway, with the 2026 World Cup kicking off on June 11. If you haven't already caught a serious case of World Cup fever, what better way to get in the mood than by checking out the very best kits that will be on show in North America this summer.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has expressed his complete surprise at the club's abrupt decision to sack manager Arne Slot following a highly disappointing campaign. The veteran defender revealed that the hierarchy did not consult him before parting ways with the Dutch tactician, learning about the sudden dismissal only after the news had leaked to the media on Saturday.
The World Cup has had no shortage of iconic moments across nearly 100 years of history. Every four years, billions of fans congregate to watch a tournament that has provided more drama, heartbreak and joy than any other event in sporting history. Football's grandest stage, the World Cup has always offered a platform for legends to be born, but it has also seen reputations destroyed and the downfall of so many famous faces.
FIFA has confirmed the key dates and squad regulations for the 2026 World Cup. Nations must submit their final player lists by June 1, with strict rules in place regarding injuries, replacements and goalkeeper selections.
Real Madrid are reportedly upset with Thomas Tuchel over his handling of Jude Bellingham during the March international break. Club officials are said to view the midfielder's call-up as "pointless" after Tuchel kept him on the bench in the Three Lions' two friendly fixtures.
England concluded their March international break on a disappointing note as they fell to a 1-0 defeat against Japan at Wembley, with Marc Guehi making a worrying admission about the pressure of playing for the Three Lions after the final whistle. Despite dominating possession, the hosts were undone by a first-half strike from Kaoru Mitoma.
It's never easy with the England men's national team. On paper, they should have enough quality, experience and firepower to blow most sides on this planet to smithereens. Then you sit down, watch them and wonder whether they are actually a team of total strangers assembled purely out of spite to mildly annoy the fans who had hoped so much of them. On the basis of their March friendlies, it would be a fair assumption to make.
Thomas Tuchel has refused to entertain suggestions that the weight of the England shirt is getting to his players following a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Japan. The Three Lions were booed off at Wembley after Kaoru Mitoma's first-half strike condemned them to a second underwhelming result in the space of four days.
In light of the growing number of Arsenal players pulling out of the upcoming international match, former England international Gabriel Agbonlahor has called for a clear response from Bayern striker Kane.
Thomas Tuchel has plotted a diplomatic course through the storm that has followed the withdrawals of Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka from the England squad, saying the optics may look bad but he has “100% trust” in their integrity. The Arsenal duo will be unavailable for the clash against Japan at Wembley after reporting discomfort following their recent club commitments.
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